Lens-cutting machine



0. WITTEL.

LENS CUTTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION man :una 2. 1920'.

Suva/nto@ Y @da am 1.4 ttozMQfvJ-s' 0. WITTEL.

LENS CUTTING MACHINE.

APPucATlon man JUNE 2. 1920.

1,406,798. Patented m14, 1922.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

*Wm m 0. WITTEL.

LENS CUTTING MACHINE. APPLICATION IILED JUNE 2.1920.

1,406,798. .y vPatented Feb.14,1922

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3 Zigi.

5mi/vento@ m Um l @Hom/md5 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

'OTTO XVITTEL, 0F MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK, ,ASSIGNOR TO GENERAL OPTICAL COMPANY, ,ACQRPORATINF NEW YORK.

LENS-CUTTING MACHINE.

i ,eresmas 4Si@Cifwaon0f Lettersrateiuz. l10atented.F0b.r14, 19,22.

Application iiled vJune 2,1929. Serial No. 386,035.

T aZZwLom/t 72mg/ coi/cem.'

Be it known that 1, C'rToWrr'rnL, a citizen oit the German Republic, residing at Mount Vernon, in the county of lliestchester and State of New York, have.inventedcertain new and useiul improvements in` LenssCutting Machines, of vwhich the following is a. full, clear, and exact description.

rllhis invention relates to machines for cutting lensesto the .'arious shapes and sizes requiredby the opticaltrade tor usewith spectacles and eyeglasses.

in the U. S. Patent No. 1,127,860 issued on Feb. 9, .1915, to Hans Clement is disclosed a machine which is readily adjustable for cutting circular, true elliptical or modified ellipticalshaped lenses, each ot various sizes or proportions without the aid ot' templets or'other vgauges for guiding the diamond point.

An object or my invention is to generally improve and simplify the type ot machine therein disclosed. More particularly, one oit' the objects is to .improve the lens clamping means and eliminate undesirable strains therein and to lessen the danger 0'1"' breakage in the cutting' operation. @ther of the objects are to improve the lmeans used to register the displacement of the diamond point from the center ot the lens, and the means for adjusting` the device to cut'the diiierent shapes ot lenses. Another oi.' rtheobjects is to prevent cutting fmovenientsol the lens with respect to thediainond in a direction contrary te that 'for which the'diamondis mounted. AAnother.oit the objeetsis to pri vide means toralways maintaining substantially the `same angular disposition of 'the cutting edge of the diamond with respect to the tangent to the outline to be cut at the place or' contact, as the lenszand diamond are relatively `moved to effect the cutting.

Still other objects and advantages will be t apparent tromthe following description and the novel features of my invention willbe particularly pointed out in claims.

in the drawings Fig. lis a side elevation, partly in vertical section, Vot a, cutter which has been constructedin laccordance with kmy invention;

lF f2 is a vertical section oit the saine;

Fig. 3 is a plan of certain ot the details;

flgel is a verticallsection taken substan- .tially on the line/f4 ot Fig. 3;

.er binding bearing surtace 7 ot `the extension.

4Figui but with theparts ina relative position dilierent from that illustrated in Fig'. 7 and I Eig. 9 is a section'taken substantially Valongthe ili'ne 9-9 ot, lig andillustrating automatic diamond shitting means.

sin the illustrated embodiment, the main traine or standard 1 has a suitable base 2 and two lateral rextensions 3 and Theextension 3 `is provided with a vertically extend ing rpassage or aperture 5 vwhich is provided with screw threads 6 tor a short distance .stein 9 which is adj ustably threaded into land out of the aperturel in co-operation witlrtlie threads G. fr gear-.member 10 is rotatably carried upon theV stern 9 and held against lthe bearing; tace 7 ofthe extension by means of a shoulder 11 oi lthe stein'. Adjustment of the stem into wor .out ot the aperture will thus enidile theeliinination ot'lost motion between the gear meinberfand the Upon upper face olli thegear member lmay rovre a steel plate 12 to take up wear if thegearmember 1t) vis ot'soft materiell. A member isslidable:uponthe plate 12 (or gearinember 10 if the wear plate is omitted) and is heldupcnithe `plate or gear member by @other Sllulneroi head 11i ot the stem 9, theshank-ot' tne stem passing throughan elongated slot 1.3 in the bot-tem wall ,et the member 13. Excessiveslidingmovement of the member .13 uponthe plate orgear mem ber is Aprevented by the ygengageinent of the ends oit theslot with the stein. [i hollow cap i6 is vthreaded to an yupstanding annular flange 17 oit themeinber 13to form with the latter a hollowdrum. Y

The cap 1G has an extension 18, from the upper endet which projects a bearing stud VJQhavi-ng a ball orspherically shaped end,

tlielstud heingremovably held in a. recess 2O of the extension by a set screw 21. A lens supporting table 22 has a somewhat spherically shaped recess in its under side for the reception of said ball-shaped stud 19 which permits of a limited universal rocking movement of the table. The table 22 is provided with a vertically extending transverse slot 23, leading outwardly from the spherica-lly shaped recess. A pin 24 projects radially and horizont-ally from one side of the ball-shaped bearing stud into said slot 23 in order to cause rotation together of the table and extension 18 without interfering with the universal connection between them. Thus the table can rock and conform to the position of the complementary clamping member without producing excessive stresses in any portion of the lens. Secured to the upper face of the table is an indicating or reference disc 25, preferably elliptical, and having indicated thereon, perpendicular axes intersecting the axis of the table. A resilient annular washer 26 is secured to the upper face of disc 25 substantially concentric with the intersecting' axes. The stud 19 is provided with a vertical passage 27 the lower end of which is enlarged as shown. A pin 23 is inserted into this passage through the lower end of the latter, upward movement of the pin being` limited by the engagement of an enlarged head 29 of the pin 28 with the shoulder formed at the change in size of the passage. A spring 30 reacts between the extension 18 and the head 29 to yieldingly hold the pin in itsy upper positions. Y

A sleeve 31 is slidable within the stem 9 being limited in its downward movement by the engagement of an enlarged head 32 with an internal shoulder 33 of the stem. A plate 34 is provided with an elongated slot or aperture 35 through which passes a non-circular boss 36 having parallel sides upon the upper end of the sleeve 31, the plate resting and slidingupon the upper ends of the stem and sleeve. The parallel sides of this boss lit the sides of the slot and prevent rotation of the plate upon the sleeve. An annular cam ring 37 is secured to the periphery of the plate 34 in any suitable manner such as by screwsj38 threaded into the two parts between abutting surfaces. The cam ring is provided upon its periphery with a plurality of cam surfaces 39 and 40 in different horizontal planes, that is spaced vertically apart."Tliese cam surfaces co-operate selectively with a pair of cam followers or guides 41 which project inwardly from the u pstanding portion 17 of the plate 13, and which are arranged at opposite ends of the elongated slot 15. As the sleeve 31 is shifted vertically in the stem, the `plate 34v and the cam ring will be simultaneously shifted to bring the cam surfaces 39 and 40 selectively into cri-operative relation with the incense guides. Thus when the gear member 10 and plate 13 are. rotated, the guides 41 will move around the cam surface with which it is in engagement and the plate 13 and cap 16 will be simultaneously given a lateral movenient which is dependent in character upon the contour or periphery of the cam surface then in contact with the guides. In order to permit the lateral movement described, and `yet cause rotation of the plate 13 with the gear member, the latter is provided upon its upper face with a roller pin or a lug 42 which is received in a short elongated radial slot or recess 43 in the under face of the plate 13. An anti-friction roller 44 may be provided adjacent the under face ofthe plate 13 for rolling engagement with the upper face of the gear member 10 or wear plate 12, the roller being arranged with its axis radially of the plate 13 and uponthe side opposite from the slot 43. Arod 45 is rotatably carried within the sleeve 31 and is provided at its upper end with a cam disc 46 arranged eccentric to the axis of the rod and overlapping the plate 34 to hold the saine upon the sleeve 31. The cam disc 46 co-operates with oppositely disposed guides 47 and 48 upon the plate 34, whereby upon rotation of the rod 45, the disc will act as a crank and be rotated eccentrically and shift plate 34 laterally or eccentrically to the axis of shaft-45. The slot 35 in the plate 34 confinestlie plate to a reciprocating movement upon the sleeve and a pin 34'2L projecting from the plate 34 contacts4 with the edges of the cam disc 46 to limit rotation of the latter and rod 45 to one-half a rotation. The cam ring 37 moves withfthe plate 34 and thus is shifted laterally to a position eccentric to the axis of rotation of the gear member 10. lf now the gear member 10 is rotated, the plate 13 and cap 16 will be given an oscillatory and lateral sliding movement as the guides 41 follow the cam surface `with which .it engages, dependent in extent upon the extent of displacement of the cam ring from the axis of rotation.

The cam surfas also modify this movement in accordance with the nature of their surface.

Into the lower end of ythe aperture 5 is pressed a sleeve device 49 in which thesleeve 31 is slidable. Rotation of the latter in the stem or-aperture 5 is prevented by a key 50 which is carried by the sleeve device 49 in sliding engagement with a longitudinal slot 51 upon the exterior of `the sleeve 31. rlhreaded into the lower end of the sleeve 31 is a locking bushing 52, and a head piece 53 is threaded upon that portion of the lool-:ing bushing which extends beyond sleeve 31. The head 53 can be removed when necessary in order to permit withdrawal of the sleeve'31 from the stem and aperture, and when in place upon the bush- 1 ,mares ing it forms an extension ot the sleeve and holds the latter against withdrawal, and the bushing acts as a lock nut forloclting the head te the sleeve. An operatingv button 5A is tif-:edly secured to the end oi Ithe rod e5 and against. the head by a set screw and a nut 56. ldlhen lthe button 5A `is rotated, the rod orshait will be rotated and the cam disc e6 sln'lted tovarythe degree ofi eccentricity or lateral displacement of the cainring` and when the button is shifted endwise, that is, vertically, the rod t5 and sleeveBl will be shii'ted endwise and carry the cam ring 37 upwardly to disengage the cam surface 39 'from the guides and place the cam surface Ll0 in engagement withthc guides. The cam surfaces can be shifted at will by endwise movement of the button and the eccentricity or-lateral displacement of the cam ring` varied at will by rotation cic the button. ln the lower end of the head 53 l provide recesses 57 inwhich detents 58 are slidable, being yieldingly pressed oiltwardly by springs 59 in the recesses which react between the head and dctcnts. The detente engage in depressions (30 in the button and assist in determining the various adjustments, as well as yielding-ly hold the button in any adjusted positions. The depressions 60 may be readily provided by securing a disc 6l, having apertures therein and constituting the depressions, to that tace oit' the button which abuts the head 53. rllhe apertures are so arranged that when one detent is in engagement with a depression 60, the other detent is betweendepressions adjacent to it, and vice versa. rlhis arrangement enables the placing and holding of the button in very close successive positions. The peripheral liange 62 of the button embraces the head and sleeve device with provision `for the necessary sliding movement of the sleeve, and is provided along its edge with graduations which ceoperate with reference points upon the sleeve device toindicate the successive ve "tical positions oi the cam ring and the extent o'l' the displacement of the ring laterally and eccentrically to the-axis of the sleeve. These graduations and reference points are illustrated in Fig. 2.

A bearing stud 63 is threaded into an aperture yin one wall of the extension 3, the

aperture communicating with the vertical passage 5. A gear 64 is rotatably carried by the stud and meshes with the gea-r memher l0 yto drive the same. The gear 6l is held upon the stud 63 by the head 65 `of the latter, and the stud is adjustable into and out of the extension to take up lost motion between the gear and the extension or head. A suitable ball or roller one way clutch 64C is provided between the gear 64e and extension 3 to limit rotation ot the gear to one direction. The details ot such clutches are well .known anda detailed description-1s believed to be unnecessary. The

inner end of the stud is provided with a detent `engages upon the periphery of the sleeve 3l and is adapted to ,enter alternately recesses or notches 69 in the sleeve and yieldingly hold the sleeve in vertically adjusted positions. A crank arm '70 or other equivalentmeans isused to rotate the gear 64, provision must be made for clamping the lens to the table and the clamping means must be able to follow the lens in its path of movement without breaking or unduly strainingthe lens, or .imposing too great a load upon the operating means.; Accordingly I. provide a vertically extending aperture 7l in the extension 4l which is in alignment with the aperture 5 oil' the extension 3. A sleeve 72 is slidable in said aperture and has slot 73 in its upper end into which projects a depending flange of 4the clutch handle 74. The handleA is pivotally mounted on the frame l at 75 and a spring 76 reacting between the frame and handle tends constantly to raise'the handle to an unclamped position. The handle carries a spring pressed latch 77 which automatically latches over catch 78 upon the extension 4l when the handle is depressed to clamp a lens upon the table. A spring 7 9 within the sleeve 7:2 reacts between the latter and the handle to yieldingly torce the sleeve downwardly when the handle is depressed. The latch. 77 has a plurality of teeth thereon so that itcan be latched in selected positions and thus provide different degrees of pressure upon the sleeve and through it upon the lens. The sleeve isprovided at its lower end with a bearing surface 8O across which the balls or rollers 8l carried bythe holding plate or ringV 82 roll. A claniping iframe or member 83 comprises two annular rings spaced by studs 811-, the upper annular `ring having` a bearing surface 85 which abuts against .the rollers or balls 8l. The member S3 and ring 82 have truste-conical central apertures therein `in which is disposed a cone-shaped aligning member r86. The member 86 is pivotally attached to one end of a resilient element 87 which extends through the `apertures in .the member 83, ring 82, thefsleeve 72 and spring 79 and is pivotally connected at its other end to the handle 7.4. kWhen the handle is depressed' to clamp a lens upon the table, the member 86 is lowered slightly from the truste-conical apertures in member 83 and ring 82, so as to permitot limited lateralmovement of these parts upon the bearing surface 80.

Vis threaded.

When the handle is unlatched the spring lifts it and through the resilient element 87 also the cone-shaped aligning element, the latter by its camming action With the walls of theap'ertures in member 83, ring 82 and the hollow sleeve 72 centering or aligning these members and holding them together above the lens table. The lower ring 88 of the member 83 is provided With a resilient ring or gasket 89 for gripping the lens when in `contact therewith.

rllhe frame 1 is provided intermediate of its height with a horizontally entending aperture 90 in one end of which is slidably but non-rotatably carried a sleeve element 91. An operating button 92 is threaded into the other end of the aperture and has an eX- tension 93 provided With screw threads errtending in a direction opposite from those between the button 92 and the aperture in the frame. The sleeve element 91 is provided with internal'screw threads adjacent its inner end into which the extension 93 As the button 92 is rotated to move itl into or out of the aperture the extension 93 Will also rotate, and since the sleeve element 91 cannot rotate, it will Ybe shifted along the aperture and relatively to the extension 93, in addition to its movement along the aperture which it receives by the travel of the button and extension relative to the aperture. The sleeve element therefore receives from the button an amplified movement in the same direction as that of the button. The button 92 may be threaded directly into the frame 1 or into a sleeve like extension as shown. The button is provided upon its periphery with spirally arranged graduations which fro-operate With a reference point 92 upon the frame to indicate the displacement of the sleeve element 91 and the parts carried by it. In the outer closed end of the sleeve element 91 is rotatably carried a small pivot 9s Vheld therein by a flange 95 at one end which abuts against the end wall and a long bolt 96 which is threaded .into the other end,.the holt having a shoulder, 97 which forces a washer 98 against the inside of the end Wall of the sleeve element 91. The bolt extends through a central aperture in the button 92 and extension 93 and has an enlarged head 99 forming an 'internal bearing for the button. The sleeve element 91`and button 92 thus have a rather long bearing axis which prevents binding of the parts.

r1`he pivotl 94 has integral therewith an operating arm 100 having a split end 10.1 in which is pivotally held an extension arm 102, the latter being held against detachment therefrom by a screw 103 in the arm 100 which extends into an annular groove 104 therein. A .screw 105 extending between the parts of the split end 101 enables the clamping of the extension arm 102 to any desired extent so as to hold it frictionally in any adjusted position about the axis of the extension arm. A finger engaging button 106 is provided upon the extension arm 102 for rotating the same. A cutting tool 107 is rotatably mounted in the free end of the extension arm with its 'cutting tip in alignment with the axis of extension arm 102 and has a crank arm 108 attached thereto, the latter having a slot -109 therein. A forked arm 110 is pivoted to the extension arm `by pivot 110*L and carries a pin 111 which engages in the slot 109 in the arm 108. The forked arm embraces the extension or neck 18 of the lens supporting means and as the latter moves elliptically or non-circularly it oscillates the forked arm and through the pin 1111 and slot 109 oscillates the cutter 107 to always present it to the lens with substantially the same angular disposition of the cutting edge of the diamond with respect to the tangent to the outline to be cut at the place of contact.

The operation is similar to that of the inachine disclosed in the patent referred to, but will be briefly described. A lens is placed upon the resilient ring 26 of the table 22 with its optical center directly over the pin 28, and with the major and minor axes (it a non-circular lens is to be cut) in alignment with the indicated axes of the dise 25. The handle 74 is nou7 depressed to compress the spring 7 9 and force the gasket or Washer 89 against the upper face of the lens and hold it firmly upon the table. The holding force 100 eanbe varied by latching any one of the teeth of the latch '77 over thecatch 78. The @one member 86 drops down during the latching operation so as to permit of the requisite lateralmovement of the clamping element 83 and the ball holder 82. The button 92 is turned to displace the sleeve element 91 and through it displace the cutter 107 the desired distance from the normal center of rotation of the lens or the gear member, 10, which distance will be indicated b v the spiral scale 92a and reference point 92h, As t-he button 92 moves into and out of the aperture-of the frame during its rotation, the spiral scale always has a portion adjacent the referencepoint 92b for proper and accurate reading. 1f a circular lens is to be cut, the sleeve is shifted to its lower position by button 54, to bring the cam surface 39 into co-operative contact with the 120 guides 41, and the button 54 is rotated to the position indicated in Fig. 2 to bring the cam ring into theposition indicated in Fig.

7 that is, concentric to the axis of rotation. Crank arm 7 0 isnow rotated,which causes 125 rotation of gear member 10 and thelens support. The cam surface 39 iscircular so that the lens will be given a' circular or rotary movement. The button 106 is operated to present the cutter 107 radially to 130 moeras the under side'ot the lens andthenarm 100 is depressed Which shifts the cutter into shaped member 86 aligns the clamping means with the sleeve 72.

It artrue ellipticall lens is to be cut, the blank is clamped upon'theftable in the same manner with its major and minor axes over the Correspending,` axes oit the dise 25, the button `54 shifted to its lower` position it. not already there, and then' rotated to shift cam ring eccentricallyT to the axis` ot rotation to the desired extent. rllhe scale'upon the button Will indicate to the operator the extent et eccentricityf to which the instrument has been adjusted. Thisadjustment determines they major axisl oit the ellipse The button 92 is next adjusted to displacefthe cutter the proper distance from the axis ot normal rotation Which will determine the minor axis ot the ellipse. The crank handle 70Y may new be operated to rotate the lens and the arm 100 depressed which will brine,` the cutter into contact ivith the lens to'- eut the same. Of course the handle 106 ivillin` any case be iirst shiitted so as 'represent the cut.- ter adially to the lens. Iny Fig. 8 the maximum displacement ot' the cam ring 'from the center of rotation is illustrated. The cani disc 46 may assume any position intermediate the positions indicated in Figs. 'r' and S upon proper adjust-nient ot:V button 5t, so that. any desiredv proportion. o't the axes et the ellipse can be obtained. As the lens is eccentrically rotated, the forked arm ll() willbe oscillated` andthe cut-ter 107 oscillated about its onn axis so that the cutting'v edge vrill always be similarly presented to the cutting` line ottlie lens under the vari-V ous elliptical proportions oi the lenses being cut. that is,so as to have always substantially the same angle with respectto the tan-- nent: to, the cutting line at the place ot contact, which prevents injury to the cutting edge..y The-clutch l1 etwecuthey gear and extension\p1,'evcnts movement between the lens and diamond cutter inV a direction diilicreut Vtroni that 'tor VWhich it was mounted. Danger oi injury to the diamond :from cut-l ting' in the Wrong' direction is therefore eli in ina tcd4 ll" a modified` elliptical lens such as those intended for usel with rfimless. or :traineless glasses is to be cut, the buttons 5i and 92 are set as for a true elliptical lens in proportioning the axes: The button 5i is however shifted upwardly into the position;marked trameless (Fig. 2) to sinniltaneouslyshitt the sleeve 31 into its upper position and thus disengage the cam surface- 39 ot the rim ring. trom engagement With the guides il. and: engage the cam surface et() therewith instead. Duringl this movement the detent 6T is automatically snapped out oli oney depression 69' and into the other to hold the sleevein the adjusted position. Upon rotation ot the lens it will not only be given the general elliptical movement, but the cani` suritace l0 will modify this movement in the manner desired. That is, the cam surface el() has tour high spots spaced around its periphery. The high spots of the cam suriace modify the movement to provide an.

ellipse with its ends iilled outer ovalshaped and not exactly truly elliptical. Bv varying the shape of the cam surface #i0 the exact shape ot' the lens can be accordingly f'aried. It is obyous that various changes in the details ot construction herein described and illustrated may be ma de Within the principle andscope of my invention.

l claim:

l. In'v a lens cutting` machine, a trame.,- a lens table, means for supporting the table upon the irame and iter imparting"thereto a rotary movement and simultaneously also a prescribed movement ivithiuits plane, and clamping means carriedvby the trame comprising two sections, one ot Which' ismovable upon the other and in contact with the lens when. the clamping means is eii'ective.

2. In ay lens cutting` machine, av ramo.- a lens table, means orsupporting the table. upon the frame andv for imparting,- thereto av rotary movement and simultaneously also :r prescribed movement Within its plane, clamping;` means carried bythe trame comprising` two sections, one o'lw'hich is movable upon the other and in contact vith thelens when the clamping means' is effective and an anti-'friction bearingl between the tivo sections.

.ln a lens cutting' machine, a iframe. a lens table, meansflor supporting the table .upcm the trame and ttor imp: rtiug thereto a rotary.movement and simultaneously also a prescribed movement Within its plane. a sleeve havingr a bearing` surfl'ace carried by said` trame for movement toward or troni the table with the bearing` surface parallel to the table, a clamping` member, au anti- 'liriction bearingdevice betweeuthe member and hearing;v surface,L and means operable lwhen inonev position tor yioldingly holding said member aga-inst the lens upon the table and:` when in another position For withdrayv i1i,e"the sleeve and member troni the lens, saidmeans being eitiective to center the mem ber with respect to the sleeveand hold the member inthe saidcentered position when the latter is outoit Contact witha leus and permit lateral movement oit theV member when it is in contact with aflens. f

' 4t. In arlens cutting machine, a frame, a lens table, means torsupporting the table upon the frame and for imparting thereto a rotary movement and simultaneously also a prescribed movement within its plane, clamping means carried by the :traine comprising two sections, one oi which is movable upon the other and in contact with the lens when the clamping means is effective, an anti-'friction bearing between the two sections, and means for centering the movable section with respect to the relatively lined section when the clamping means is inei'lective and for i`ermitting movement ot one section uponv the other when the clamping means is effective. i

5. In a lens cutting machine, a rio'id supporting Llrame, a lens table, means ror supporting` the table upon the -frame and vfor imparting thereto a combined rotary and lateral movement, and clamping means directly carried by the frame for releasably holding a lens upon the table and permitting movement of the saine with the table.

G. In a lens cutting machine, a rigid supporting trame, a lens table, means ior supporting the table upon the iframe and for imparting theretoV a combined rotary and lateral movement, a sleeve carried. by the frame for movement toward or `from the table and having a bearingsurface upon its lower end, a clamping member, an anti-friction device between the member and surface, means for yieldingly depressing said sleeve and member toward the table `*for clamping a lens thereon, and a centering device connected to said means tor centering said member and anti-friction devicev with respect to the sleeve and holding` them so centered when the clamping member is out o'lf contact with a lens upon the table, and for releasing them for relative movement when the member is in contact with a lens.

T. In a lens cutting machine, a rigid supporting trame, a lens table, means for supporting the table uponthe frame and for imparting thereto a combined rotary and lateral movement, a sleeve carried by the frame for movement toward or from the table and having a bearing surface upon its lower end, a clamping member, an anti-friction device between the member' and surface, a handle pivoted to the frame and extending over the sleeve, a spring tending to retract said handle from the sleeve, a spring react ing between the sleeve and handle, anda centering device connected to the handle and passing through the member, anti-friction device and sleeve, and having a resilient portion, whereby when the handle is free it lifts the member, anti-friction device and sleeve from the table and centers the member and antiriction device with respect to the sleeve, and when the handle is depressed to clamp a lens upon the table it releases the ant-itriction device and member to permit incense lateral and rotary movement of the same with the lens and table.

8. Ina lens cutting machine, a rigid supporting frame, a lens table, means for supporting the table upon the frame and for imparting thereto a combined rotary and lateral movement, a sleeve carried by the traine .for movement towardv or from the table and having a bearing surface upon its lower end, a clamping member, an antifrictiondevice between the member and surface, a handle pivoted to the frame and extending over the sleeve, a spring tending to retract said handle trom the sleeve, a spring reacting between the sleeve and handle, and a centeringl device connected to the handle and passing through the member, anti-friction device and sleeve whereby when the handle is free it lifts the member, anti-friction device and sleeve from the table and centers the memberand antifriction device with respect to the sleeve, and when the handle is depressed to clamp a lens upon the table it releases the antifriction device and member to permit lateral and rotary movement ot' the same with the lens and table.

9. In a lens cutting` machine, a rigid supporting frame, a lens table, means for supporting the table upon the frame and for imparting thereto a combined rotary and lateral movement, a sleeve carried by the frame formovement toward or from the table and having a bearing surface upon its lower end, a clamping member, an antifriction device between the member and surrace` a handle pivoted to the frame and extending over the sleeve, a spring tending to ret `act said handle ronrthe sleeve, a spring reacting between the sleeve and handle, a centering device connected to thehandle and passing through the member, antitriction device and sleeve whereby when the handle is `free it lifts the member, anti-friction device and sleeve tromv the table and centers the member and antidriction device with respect to the sleeve, and when the handle is depressed to clamp a lens upon the table it releases the anti-friction device and member to permit lateral and rotary movement olf' the same with the lens and table, and means for latching the handle in clamping position. f i

10. In a lens cutting' machine, a iframe, a table, a spindle having a. iiiniversal connection to said table, means for mounting said spindle upon the frame and for imparting thereto a combined. rotary and lateral move- Y ment, and means forclamping a lens to said table. ,i

11. In a lens cutting machine, a spindle having a ballsshapcd end, a table having a socket therein for receiving the ball-shaped end upon which it is supported tora'limited universal rocking' movement, a pin. projectmg radially from one sideof the' ball and perpendicularly to the axis ot the table, said table having a slot in the vertical plane ot the pinlorcausing rotation together ol the table and spindle.

12. in a lens cutting machine, a trame, a stem on said fra-nie, a. platel rotatably earried by the stem, means for rotating the plate about said stem, a drum carried by the stem in contact With said plate and'having a'slot therein through which thestem passes, said plate and drum having. co-operating` means :tor causing rotation together andpermitting a limitedl lateral sliding movement ot the drum upon'the plate, a lens tableearried by the drum, a. pair ot guides upon diainetrically opposite sides olf said drum atthe ends oi the slot, a non-rotatable cam between the guides and haring a plurality7 ot differently shaped cam surfaces around its periphery, and means tor shitting vsaid cam to alteri'iatively bring any one ot the cam surfaces into engagement iviththe guides.

13. ln lens cutting machine, a frame, a stem onv said' .tra-me, a plate rotatably cai'- ried by the stem, means for rotating the plateabout said stein.v drum carried-by the stem in Contact with saidplat'e and having a slot therein through which the stem passes, said plate andl drum. having co-operating` means for causing rotation together and iermittiiw a limited lateral slidino` move! ment ot the drum upon the plate, a lens table earried'by the drum, ay ypair of guides upon diametrically opposite sides oit said drum at the ends ot' the slot, a non-rotatable cani between the guides andl having a plurality of differently shaped cam surfaces around its periphery, means for shifting said cam to bring alteri'iatively any one orY the cam surfaces into engagement with the guides and means for selectively disi'ilacing said cam eccent-rieally to the axis oiE rota.- tion ot the plate.

l-l. ln a-`lens cutting'machine, a trame, a hollow steinon said trame, a plate rotatably carried by the stem, a drum carried by the stem and'connected to the' plate iter rotation therewith and lateral movement thereon, a lens suplgiort carriedby the drum`r diametricalliY opposedguides in'saiddrum, a' sleeve extending through and-Aslidable in said holloiv stem, a Cain member carrier. by' the sleeve betiveeu theV guides and having a plu'- i5. In a lens cutting machine', a tra-me', a

hollowv stem on said frame, a. plate rotatably carried bythe' stem, a drumcarried by the stem and connected to the plate o'rrotation therewith and lateral movement thereon, a' lens support carried by the drum, diametrically opposed guides in said drum, a sleeve extending through and slidable in said hollow stem, a cani member carried by' the sleeve between the guides and having a plurality ot different earn surfaces between the guides adjustable selectively into engagement ivitlrthe guides upon sliding movement of the sleeve in the stem, a rod extending through the sleeve;` a cam disc carried by said rod Within the cam member, guides on 'iid cam member on opposite sides ot the cam disc whereby rotation of the rodv will through the action of the cam disc upon the guides or' the Cam memberv shift the latter' eccentri'cally with respect to said rod.

i6. ln a. lens cuttinginachine, af frame, a hollow stem on said trame, a plate rotatably carried by the stein. a lens'support haa/ing a slot through which the stem passes, said support being` held upon the plate by saifl stem and having connection With the pla-te to cause rotation toge'ther'and simultaneously permit movement of the supporti along the Yslot and upon the plate` guides carried by the support, and a cam Vdevice havingl a plurality ot cam surfaces thereon and adjustable vertically to bring any selected cam surface into co-operative relation With the guides.

1T, In a lens cuttingmaehine, a trame, a hollow stem on said traine. a plate rotatably carried by the stem, a lens support having a slot' through which the stem passes, said support being held upon the plate by said stem and having; aeonneet-ion ivith theplate to cause rotation together and simultaneouslv iermit movement el the su )sort alone` the slot and upon the plate, guides carried by the support, a cam device having` a.. plurality ot' cam surfaces thereon and adjustablef vertically to bring any selected cam surface into oo-operative relation wvitli the guides and means for displacing said earn member eceentrieally with respectr to the axis oi'rotation or the'plate.

18. In a lens cuttingmachine, a hollow stem on said trame, a plate rotatably carried by the stem, a lens support having a slot through uhieli the stem passes, said support being held upon the plate by said stem and having a connection iviththeplate to cause rotation together and sinmltaneously permit movement of the sup port along theslot and upon the plate,` guides carried by the support', a sleeve passing'throughthe stem', a cam member carried by the sleeve and slidable laterally thereon, said cam member having a plurality oft cam surfaces thereon, means` for adjusting said sleeve endivise to bring' any selected cam surface into co-operatire engagement with the guides andto yieldinglyretain'the sleeve in adjusted positions,

and means tor displacing said cani member cccentrically to said sleeve.

19. ln a lens cutting machine, a Yframe, a hollow stem on said itrame, a plate rotatably carried by the stem, a lens support having a slot through which the stein passes, said support being held upon the plate by said stem and having connection with the plate to cause rotation together and simultaneously permit move. rent olf the support along the slot and upon the plate, guides carried by the support, a sleeve passing through the stem, cam member carried by the sleeve and slidable laterally thereon, said cam member having a plurality oi" cam surfaces thereon, means tor adjusting said sleeve endwise to bring` any selected cam surface into co-operative engagement with the guides and to yieldingly7 retain the sleeve in adjusted positions, guides on said cam member, a rod extending lengthwise tlirough said sleeve, a cam dise eccentrically arried upon the upper end ot the rod and between the guides ol the cam member whereby rotation ot the rod displaces the cam member eccentrically of the sleeve.

20. ln a lens cutting machine, a trame, a lens support, means carried by the trame for giving said support a combined rotary and lateral movement, and controlling means adjustable in a rotary direction to vary the extent ot 'the lateral movement and` in an cndwise direction to also produce a modilied lateral movement of substantially the same extent. y

2l. ln a lens cutting machine, a trame, a lens support, means carried by the tramo lfor giving said support a combined rotar;7 and lateral movement, controlling` means including an operating member adjustable in a rotary direction to vary the extent of the late 'al movement and in an end wise direction to also produce a inodiiied lateral movement ol substantially the same extent, and means itor yieldingly retaining said controlling means in adjusted positions in both directions.

In a lens cutting machine, a trame, a hollow stem on said "trame, a. plate rotatably carried by the stem, a lens support having a slot through which the stem passes, said support being held upon the plate by said stem and having a connection with the plate to cause rotation togetl'ier and simultaneously permit movement. ot the support along the slot and upon the plate, guides carried by the support, a cani devieeliaving a plurality of cam surfaces thereon and adjustable vertically to bring any selected cam surface into izo-operative relation with the guides and a detent device i'or retaining the cam device in adjusted positions. i.

23. In a lens cutting machine, a tra e,l1av,

ing' a horizontal extension, a stem proje;ting

upwardly from. the extension, lens supportifioees ing and rotatimg` means carried by the stem, means including a sleeve slidable in said stem and extension for varying the path oi movementot the lens supporting means, e. bearing boss extending horizontally from said extensioma spring pressed detent slidable in said boss and engageable with said sleeve for holding it in adjusted position, and means carried by the boss l'or imparting movement to the lens supporting and rotating means.

ln a lens cutting machine, a trame having a horizontal extension, said extension having a vertical passage therethrough, lens supporting` and rotating means carried byy the extension, a device :tor controlling the movement of the said means and including a member slidable in said vertical passage, a horizontal bearing boss carried by said extension and having a recess therein connecting with said vertical passage, a detent slidable in said recess and engaging with said sleeve to hold the latter in adjusted positions, a spring insaid recess -for yieldingly pressing said detent against the sleeve, and means carried by the boss t'or imparting movement to the lens supporting and rotating means.

25. In a lens cutting machine, a frame having an extension, lens sujiiporting and rotating means carried by the extension, controlling devices for said means, a sleeve slidable in said extension and carrying one of said controlling devices, a rod rotatable within said sleeve and carrying the other ot said devices and an operating button on said rod and embracing said sleeve whereby said button can be operated to slide the sleeve and control one device and to rotate the rod and control the other device.

Q6. ln alens cutting machine, a 'frame having` an extension, lens supporting and rotatin means carried by the extension, controlling devices itor said means, a sleeve slidable in said extension and carrying one of said controlling devices, a rod rotatable within said sleeve and carrying the other of said devices, an operating button on said rod and embracing said sleeve whereby said button can Vbe operated to slide the sleeve and control one device and to rotate the rod and control the other device, said button having on its inner face a plurality ol' spaced recesses, and a spring pressed detent carried by the sleeve and engageable in said recesses upon rotation of the button and rod to accurately position the rod and hold the same in adjusted positions. v

27. In a lens cutting machine, a frame having an extension, lens supporting and rotating means carried by the extension, controlling devices for said means, a sleeve slidable in said extensionV and carrying one of said controlling devices, a rod rotatable within said sleeve andcarrying the other of supporting ymeans rotatably carried by the lateral extension, lens clamping means carried b y the vertical extension, a bearing boss extending `from said lateral extension, a

gear member rotatably carried by the boss, means for rotating said gear member, and a one way clutch between the gear and extension, for permitting movement of the gear in but one direction.

l 29. In a lens cutting machine, a frame having lateral and vertical extensions, lens supporting means rotatably carried by the lateral extension, lens clamping means carried by the vertical extension, a bearing boss extending from. said lateral extension, a gear member rotatablycarried by the boss, means for rotating said `gear member, and a roller clutch between a face oi' the gea-r member and the extension for permitting movement oi" the gear in but one direction.

30. ln a lens cutting' machine, a frame having a horizontal extension, said extension having avertical passage therethrough, lens supporting and rotating means carried by the extension, a device for controlling the movement of the said means and including a member slidable in said vertical passage, a horizontal bearing boss carried by said extension and having a recess therein V connecting with said vertical passage, a detent slidable in said recess and engaging with said sleeve to hold the latter in adjusted positions, a spring in said recess for yieldingly pressingfsaid detent against the sleeve, a gear member rotatably carried by the boss and connected to the lens vsupporting and rotating` means :tor imparting movement thereto, means for rotating the gear member, and a one way clutch between the face of the gear member and extension for limiting rotation of the gear to one direction. l

3l. ln a lens cutting' machine, a trame having a horizontal extension, said exteusion having a vertical passage therethrough, a lens supporting and rotating means carried by the extension, a device for cont-rolling the movement of thesaidmeans and including a member slidable in said vertical passage, a horizontal bearing boss carried by said extension and having a recess therein connecting with said vertical passage, a detent slidable in said recess and engaging with said sleeve to hold the latter in adjusted positions, a spring in said recess for yieldingly pressing said detent against the sleeve, a gear member rotatably carried by the boss and connected to the lens supporting and rotating means for imparting movement thereto, means for rotating the gear member, and means for limiting rotation of the gear member to one direction.

3Q. In a lens cutting machine, a trame having a vertically extending aperture and arbearing face upon the frame at the upper end of the aperture, a hollow stem adjustably threadedinto the upper end of said aperture and having stepped shoulders upon its upper end, a hollow lock nut adjustably threaded into the aperture for limiting the inward movement of the stem, a gear ro- ,y

tatably carried by the stem and held against the upper bearing surface of the 'frame'by the smaller shoulder, a lens support having an elongated slot in its lower Jface through which the portion of the stem between the shoulders passes, said support being vheld against the gear by the larger shoulder, but` slidable across the same by means of the slot," a sleeve slidable vertically in said stem, a plurality of cams carried by the upper end of the sleeve and co-acting with the sup-,

port t0 selectively control its path of movement, dependentV lupon the extent of vertical adjustment, means including a gear member meshing with said gear 'lor rotating the gear and support, and means `for ver-V tically shifting and holding in shifted posi?.

tions said sleeve and cams.

33.111 a lens cutting machine, a 'frame having a vertically extending aperture and a bearing face upon the frame at the upper end et the aperture, a hollow stem adjustably Vthreaded into the Aupper end of said aperture and having stepped shoulders upon its upper end, a gear rotatably carried by the stem and held against the upper bearing surface of they frame by the smaller shoulder, a lens support having an elongated slot in its lower faceV through which the portion of the stem between the shoulders passes, said support being held against the gear by thej .larger shoulder, but slidable across the same Vgear tor rotating the gear and support,and

means 'for vertically shiftng said sleeve and cams.

Set. ln a lens cuttingmachine, a frame having a vertically extending aperture and a 'bearing face upon the frame at the upper end of thev aperture, a hollow stem adjustably threaded into the upper end of said aperture Y and having stepped shoulders upon its upper end, a gear rotatably carried by the stem and held against the upper bearing surface of the frame by the smaller shoulder, a lens support having an elongated slot in its lower face through which the portion of the stem between the shoulders passes, said support being held against the gear by the larger shoulder, but slidable across the same by means of the slot, a sleeve slidable vertically in said stem a plurality of cams carried by the upper end of the sleeve and co-acting with the support to selectively control its path of movement, dependent upon the extent of vertical adjustment, means including a gear member meshing with said gear for rotating the gear and support, a rod rotatably carried by the stem, means carried by the upper end of the rod for displacing the cams upon the sleeve to various extents eccentrically to the axis of rotation of the gear and an operating button upon the lower end of the rod for rotating the same to vary the eccentricity of the cams and abutting the sleeve to shift the same to change the cams in control of the support when the button and rod are shifted endwise.

35. In a lens cutting machine, a frame having a vertically extending aperture and a bearing face upon the frame at the upper end of the aperture, a hollow stem adjustably threaded into the upper end of said aperture and having stepped shoulders upon its upper end, a gear rotatively carried by the stem and held against the upper bearing surface of the frame by the smaller shoulder, a lens support having an elongated slot in its lower face through which the portion of the stem between the shoulders passes, said support being held against the gear by the larger shoulder, but slidable across the same by means of the slot, a sleeve slidable vertically in said stem, a plurality of cams carried by the upper end of the sleeve and co-acting with the support to selectively control its path of movement, dependent upon the extent of vertical adjustment, means including a gear member meshing with said gear for rotating the gear and support, a rod rotat ably carried by the stem, means carried by 'the upper end of the rod for displacing the cams upon the sleeve to various extents eccentrically to the axis of rotation of the gear, a hollow sleeve rigidly carried by the frame at the lower end of the aperture and through which the cam carrying sleeve passes, and a button carried by the rod and having a recess in one face, into which both of the sleeves extend, the cam carrying sleeve abutting against the button to cause the rod and shaft to move in unison when shifted endwise, and permit rotation of the rod independently thereof.

36. In a lens cutting machine, a frame having a vertically extending aperture and a bearing face upon the frame at the upper end of the aperture, a hollow stem adj ustably threadedinto the upper end of said aperture, and having stepped shoulders upon its upper end, a gear rotatively carried by the stem and held against the upper bearing surface of the frame by the smaller shoulder, a lens support having an elongated slot in its lower face through which the portion of the stem between the shoulders passes, said support being held against the gear by the lar er shoulder, but slidable across the same gby means of the slot, a sleeve slidable vertically in said stem, a plurality of cams carried by the upper end of thev sleeve and co-acting with the support to selectively control its path of movement, dependent upon the extent of vertical adjustment, means including a gear member meshing with said gear for rotating the gear and support, a rodv rotatably carried by thestem, means carried by the upper end of the rod for displacing the cams upon the sleeve to various extents eccentrically to the axis of `rotation of the gear, a hollow sleeve rigidly carried by the frame at the lower end ofthe aperture and through which the cam carrying sleeve passes, a button carried by the rod and having a recess in one face, into which both of the sleeves extend, the cam carrying sleeve abutting against the button to cause the rod and shaft to move in unison when shifted endwise, and permit rotation of the rod independently thereof, and spring pressed detents carried in the lower end of the sleeve engaging with recesses in the button to position and yieldingly hold the button in different rotative positions with respect to the sleeve.

37. In a lens cutting machine, a frame having a vertically extending aperture and a bearing face upon the frame at the upper end of the aperture, a hollow stem adj ustably threaded into the upper end of said aperture and having stepped shoulders upon its upper end, a gear rotatably carried by the stem and held against the upper bearing surface of the frame by the smaller shoulder, a lens support having an elongated slot in its lower face through which the portion of the stem between the shoulders passes, said support being held against the gear bythe larger shoulder, but slidable across the same by means of the slot, a sleeve slidable vertically in said stem, a lplurality of cams carried by the upper end of the sleeve and co-acting with the support to selectively control its path of movement, dependent upon the extent of vertical adjustment, means including a gear member meshing with said gear for rotating the gear and support, a rod rotatably carried by the stem, means carried by the upper end of the rod for displacing the cams upon the sleeve to various eXtents eccentrically to the aXis of rotation of the gear, an operating button upon the lower end of the rod for rotating the same to vary the eccentricity of the cams and abutting the sleeve to shift the same to change the cams in control of the support when the button and rod are shifting endwise, said sleeve being adjustable in length to take up lost motion between the parts carried at the opposite ends of the rod and the sleeve.

38. In a lens cutting machine, a frame having an aperture, means for rotatably carrying a lens on said frame, a cutter operating member adjustably threaded into said aperture, and having an extension also in said aperture, said extension being threaded in a, direction opposite from the threads between the member and frame, a sleeve into which the extension is adjustably threaded and which is slidably and non-rotatably carried in said aperture, whereby rotation of the mem-ber to move it into or outoi the aperture will produce an amplified longitudinal movement of the member, and lens cutting means carried by the sleeve.

l39. In a lens cutting machine, a frame having an aperture, means for rotatably carrying a lens on said frame, an operating member adjustably threaded into said aperture, and having an extension also in said aperture, said extension being threaded in a direction opposite from the threads between the member and frame, a sleeve into which the extension is adjustably threaded and which is slidably and non-rotatably carried in said aperture, whereby rotation of the i member to move it into or out ot the aperture will produce an amplified longitudinal movement of the sleeve in the same direction as the longitudinal movement of the member, and a lens cutter device rotatably carried by the outer end of the sleeve, and a rod rigidly Carried by the cutter device. and eX- tending through the sleeve, extension and member and having a rotative bearing with the member adjacent its outer end.

40. In a lens cutting machine, a frame having an aperture, means for rotatably carrying a lens on said frame, an operating member adjustably threaded into said aperture, and having an extension also in said aperture, said extension being threaded in a direction opposite from the threads between the member and frame, a sleeve into which the extension is adjustably threaded and which is slidably and non-rotatively carried in said aperture, whereby rotation of the member to move it into or out of the aperture will produce an ampliied longitudinal movement of the sleeve in the same direction as the longitudinal movement of the member, and lens cutting means carried by the sleeve, said member having a spirally arranged scale thereon for (3o-operation with the frame to indicate the displacement of the cutter from the center of the lens.

4l. In a lens cutting machine, a frame, means for rotatably carrying a lens on said trame, an operating member having two sets oit' threadsthereon of which one is a right hand set and the other is a lett hand set, said frame having threads with which one of said sets of threads engages to permit adjustment of the member upon the frame, lens cutting means slidably and non-rotatably carried by said frame and having threads in engagement with the other set of threads for adjustment thereon whereby rotation of the member will produce an amplilied movement ot the lens cutting means in the same direction as that o'l' the member due to its threaded engagement with the frame.

42. In a lens cutting machine, a frame, means Yfor rotatably carrying a lens on said frame, an operatingv member spirally adjustable onto and out of said frame, and lens cutting means shiftable by said member, said member having a spirally arranged scale thereon for cci-operation with a graduation on Said trame to directly indicate the -displacement of the cutter from the center of a lens.

43. In a lens cutting machine, a frame, means for rotatably carrying a lens on said frame, lens cutting means adjustable on said frame to bring the cutter toward or from the center of a lens, and shifting means adjustably carried by the frame and having a connection with said cutting means for producing amplified movements of the lens cutting means in one direction or the other as desired.

44. In a lens cutting machine, a frame, means for rotatably carrying a lens on said frame, an operating member spirally adjustable on said frame, and lens cutting means shiftable on said member and movable into and out of the frame at a rate different from that of the member, said frame and member having cao-operating scale indications to indicate the displacement of the cutter from the center of a lens.

45. In a lens cutting machine, a frame having an aperture, an operating member adjustably threaded into one end of said aperture and having a separate set of threads, and a cutter carrier slidably and non-rotatably supported in the other end of said aperture and having threaded engagement with the said separato set of threads.

46. In a lens cutting machine, a frame having an aperture, an operating member adjustably threaded into one end of said aperture and having a separate set of threads, and a cutter carrier slidably and non-rotatably supported in the other end of said aperture and having threaded engagement with the said separate set of threads, said member having a spirally arranged scale for indicating by reference to afixed point on the frame, the displacement or the cutter from the center of a lens.

47. In a lons cutting machine, a trame having` an aperture, an operating memberV adjustably threaded into one end of said aperture and having a separate set of oppositely directed threads, and a cutter carrier slidably and non-rotatably supported in the other end ot said aperture and having threaded engagement with the said separate set ott threads.

48. In a lens cutting machine, a frame having an aperture, an operating member adjustably threaded into one endV of said aperture and having a separate set oit oppositely directed threads, and a cutter carrier slidably and non-rotatably supported in the other end of said aperture and having threaded engagement with the said separate set of threads, said member having a spirally arranged scale for indicating by reference to a fixed point on the frame, thedisplaceA nient of the cutter from the center of a lens.

49. In a lens cutting machine, a frame, a lens support, means carried by the :trame for giving said support a combined rotary and lateral'movement, a lever carried by the trame, a cutter rotatably carried by the lever, an arm having a slot therein carried by the cutter, a 'forked member pivoted to the lever and having a pin engaging in said slot in said arm, said member embracing said lens support whereby movement of the latter will oscillate the 'forked member and through the pin and arm oscillate the cutter to always present the cutter in the same relative position to the cutting line of the lens automatically during the combined movement ot the support.

50. In a lens cutting machine, a supportment thereto, a pair of guides carried by said element, a carin element for guiding the rotary and lateral movement and having cam surfaces of' diiierent characteristics in different transverse planes, and means tor shitting the cam element endWise to bring any selected one of the cam surfaces into cooperative engagement with the guides and control the rotary and lateral movement ofk the lens supporting element.

52. In a lens cutting machine, a traine, a lens supporting element, means for supporting the element for both lateral and rotary movement and for imparting rotary movement thereto, a pair of guides carried by said element, a cam element 'for guiding the rotary and lateral movement and having cam surfacesof different characteristics in different transverse planes, means for shifting the cam element endwise to bring any selected one of the cam surfaces into cooperative engagement with the guides, and means 'for shitting said cam element laterally to additionally control the lateral movement ot the supporting element by the extent of the eccentricity of the cam element with respect to the supporting means.

ln Witness whereof, l hereunto subscribe my signature.

OTTO yWITTEL. 

